Drop in visitor numbers at tourist spots, zoo to keep online live-streaming open

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has switched to mechanised ways to keep a tally on the number of visitors and ensures that there is no crowding at any given point of time.

“We have restricted entry for children and the elderly. We have seen a decrease in the number of visitors owing to the strict restrictions that are currently in place. We have decreased the zoo’s ‘intake’ to 7,000, in a phased manner. We have recorded a maximum of 4,000 visitors,” said a zoo official.

Going by reports from tourists spots, the tourist spots are teeming with ‘family visitors.’ The assumption is that people are stepping out with children after being indoors for a long time due to the lockdown and subsequent restrictions.

Also, people are looking to give some vent to the children who could expend their energies by being outdoors.

Some locations are facing staffing issues owing to travel restrictions.

One such case is Dakshin Chitra, a place which brings together artisans from across the nation.

“Many of the artisans who come here have returned to their hometowns and travelling to Chennai is risky. There is also the issue of 14 day quarantine before start of work.

Only some artisans are local. We invite others;, like Rajasthani musicians, to come in for special festivals. These art forms are best seen in person and not virtually,” said Parvathi GB, head of publicity, DakshinChitra.

However, giving up on the online options is not a good choice now, they say. Dakshin Chitra will continue online classes and seminars while the Arignar Anna Zoological Park will continue hosting their live-stream of the animal display.

“We have registered about 4.4 crore views since the stream was started in 2018 and are keeping it open even though the zoo has reopened. These facilities will be available on our website and the mobile app for visitors to watch and enjoy,” said a zoo official